14 February 2016
Bayern Munich continued preparations for their Champions League last 16 tie against Juventus in 9 days’ time with a comfortable 3-1 away win against Augsburg at the WWK Arena, their 18th success in the last 21 league outings.
The biggest news from the Bayern camp in the days leading up to this evening’s encounter was the broken ankle sustained by centre-back Holger Badstuber in training yesterday, leaving the Germans with just one fit central defender, 21-year old Joshua Kimmich.
Taking to the field donning Badstuber’s number 28 jersey as a sign of solidarity, the champions lined up in a changed 4-1-4-1 formation with ex-Juve man Arturo Vidal screening a back four of David Alaba, Kimmich, Phillip Lahm and Juan Bernat.
While the pre-match focus was on Pep Guardiola’s defensive options, it was the dynamism and speed of forwards Thomas Muller, Douglas Costa, Arjen Robben and Robert Lewandowski that would ultimately prove the difference between the two teams.
Unsurprisingly, the visitors came flying out of the blocks and deservedly took the lead after just 15 minutes thanks to Lewandowski’s smart take and finish from Muller’s precise right-wing cross.
The prolific Pole would add a 31st of the season to his tally shortly after half-time, curling past goalkeeper Marwin Hitz went put through one-on-one by Thiago Alcantara’s defence-splitting pass.
Two soon became three as Muller, scorer of 22 goals himself this term, capitalised on chaos in the Augsburg penalty area to wrap up a comfortable victory for the league leaders and reigning champions.
Raul Bobbadilla would score a consolation strike for the hosts four minutes from time but by then it was far too late for an unlikely comeback.
Guardiola’s men host thirteenth-placed Darmstadt at the Allianz Arena next weekend before finally heading south to Turin for the eagerly-awaited return of the Champions League at Juventus Stadium.
